Jahannam

My theme for this year's A- Z Blogfest is DEATH (who I hope is like DEATH in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series): "...tall, thin (skeletal, as a matter of fact), and ALWAYS SPEAKS IN CAPITAL LETTERS. Generally shows up when you're dead, or just when he thinks you ought to be." Today we have J for Jahannam.

Jahannam is one of the names for the Islamic concept of Hell, per Wikipedia. According to the Qur'an, on the last day the world will be destroyed and all people and jinn will be raised from the dead to be judged by Allah as to whether they deserved to be sent to paradise or hell. Hell is for those who do not believe in God, have disobeyed his laws, and/or reject his messages.Suffering in hell is both physical and spiritual, and varies according to the sins of the condemned. As described in the Qur'an, Hell has seven levels (each one worse); seven gates (each for a specific group of sinners); a blazing fire, boiling water, and the Tree of Zaqqum.

The Tree of Zaqqum (2012), Artist Name:Homa. Reference Al Quran; 37 سورة الصافات - Verse 64-65 Al Quran. This tree is the food of dwellers of Hell-fire mentioned in the Quran.

Not all Muslims and scholars agree whether hell is an eternal destination or whether some or even all of the condemned will eventually be forgiven and allowed to enter paradise.


I'm guessing Hell sucks no matter what religion you practice.


Excerpt from Mort, by Terry Pratchett, in which DEATH takes on an apprentice...

[The abbot has just died] "...What's happened to the usual fellow?"

"Usual fellow?" said Mort, bewildered.

"Tall chap. Black cloak. Doesn't get enough to eat, by the look of him," said the abbot.

"Usual fellow? You mean Death? said Mort.

"That's him," said the abbot, cheerfully. Mort's mouth hung open.

"Die a lot, do you?" he managed.

"A fair bit. A fair bit. Of course," said the abbot, "once you get the hang of it, it's only a matter of practice."